Welcome to the Universal Hard Rock Hotel Orlando, where you can live like rock 'n' roll royalty. Inspired by classic rock music and the architecture of California missions, this palm tree-lined property features rock memorabilia everywhere you turn, show-stopping service, a swimming pool with underwater music and other electrifying accommodations and amenities that will have you feeling like a rock star. As one of Universal Orlando Resort's Signature Collection hotel options, staying here grants you VIP access with free Universal Express Unlimited (not included with stays at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort and Universal Helios Grand Hotel), Early Park Admission, priority seating at select restaurants, complimentary transportation to the theme parks and Universal CityWalk, resort-wide charging privileges with your room key and complimentary delivery of merchandise purchased throughout the resort to your hotel. If these benefits strike a chord with you, then keep on reading, because we've compiled everything you need to know about the second-oldest (but undoubtedly the boldest) hotel at Universal Orlando.
FAQs
- What is Universal Hard Rock Hotel? Universal Hard Rock Hotel is one of five Signature Collection hotels at Universal Orlando Resort.
- What types of rooms are at Universal Hard Rock Hotel? Universal Hard Rock Hotel offers standard rooms, club level rooms and suites.
- What are the highlights of Universal Hard Rock Hotel? Inspired by California missions, Universal Hard Rock Hotel invites you to live like a rock star and features a palm-lined swimming pool with underwater music, jaw-dropping memorabilia, amped-up recreation, show-stopping service, culinary nirvana and, of course, live music.
- Can I walk from Universal Hard Rock Hotel to the Universal Orlando Theme Parks? Hard Rock Hotel is walking distance to the CityWalk area, including both Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida (with shuttle service to Universal Epic Universe and Volcano Bay, and additional water taxi service to CityWalk).
- How can I save on my stay at Universal Hard Rock Hotel? Exciting news! You can now get exclusive savings on Universal Orlando Resort Vacation Packages provided by Undercover Tourist, including stays at Universal Hard Rock Hotel. Rock on!
Overview of Universal Hard Rock Hotel Orlando
From the fresh ocean scent evocative of California beaches to the plush couches, recessed ceilings and wrought-iron fixtures, stepping into the lobby of Universal Hard Rock Hotel will make you feel like you've arrived at a lavish retreat exclusive to music's biggest names. (Speaking of, you won't be able to miss the massive portraits of some of rock's biggest legends behind the check-in and concierge desks.) Once you get your room key and head to the elevators, you'll make your way to one of the hotel's 650 luxurious guest rooms (which include 29 suites) — all of which offer complimentary Wi-Fi and 100-percent cotton bed linens.
Check-in starts at 4 p.m., which leaves you with plenty of time to dine at one of the hotel's restaurants, check out the 12,000 square-foot pool at sunset or head on over to CityWalk. Check-out ends at 11 a.m. which means you can get in another fun day at the parks before you head home! (Bell services will hoppily store your luggage for free on your check-in and check-out days.)
Right now, you can Buy 3 Days and Get 2 Days FREE at Universal Orlando Resort (including Epic Universe!)! Valid for visits through Dec. 16, 2026, excluding blockout dates.
Universal Hard Rock Hotel Orlando Rooms
Every rockstar needs their beauty sleep. Get yours in one of four different types of guest rooms or four different kinds of suites. All rooms feature modern amenities such as a flat-screen TV, Keurig coffee maker and mini-fridge.
Standard Rooms
Ranging from 375 to 500 square feet, each standard room harmoniously blends comfort and style to make you feel like an A-list celebrity. The bathrooms in each room are incredibly spacious, offering a separate shower/tub and toilet area with an extra sink. Standard, Garden View and Pool View rooms all sleep up to five guests with two queen beds. Opt for a Garden View room to enjoy the stunning scenery just outside your window or choose a Pool View room that overlooks the centerpiece of the hotel, the fabulous swimming pool area.
Deluxe Rooms come with either one king bed or two queen beds and even have extra living space where you'll find a pull-out sofa and adjoining desk area. As for the decor, each room features a colored and textures inspired by a California sunset — heavily leaning into oranges, blues and ambers — as well as driftwood accents and handmade macrame fixtures designed to transport you to a different time and place. You'll also find newly-elevated record artwork on the walls in addition to the fan-favorite mirrors with celebrity heights.
Club Level Rooms
If you're feeling fancy, you can upgrade to a Rock Royalty room or select Rock Royalty suites on the hotel's exclusive seventh floor and enjoy additional perks and privileges, including access to the luxurious Rock Royalty lounge, personal concierge service and a continental breakfast. You can choose from either a Club Level 1-King Bed (with sleeper sofa) or Club Level 2 Queen Beds.
Suites
If you're looking to spend your stay in ultimate rock 'n' roll luxury and amp up the space, book a suite — each of which ranges from 650 to a sprawling 2,000 square feet.
Let your tadpoles live their musical dreams in a Future Rock Star Kids' Suite. Kids will love having a stylish room all to themselves, complete with two twin beds, a flat-panel TV and memorabilia from today's hottest artists! Their room connects via a door to the king bedroom where grown-ups get to relax in quiet comfort. The master bedroom opens up to a living and entertainment area with a flat-panel TV and sleeper sofa and both bedrooms connect to a full-size bathroom that includes a double-sink vanity, makeup mirror and standing shower.
King Suites don't just offer a king bed, bonus entertainment area with a dining room table and pull-out sofa, but tons of variety, as well. Book a one-bedroom suite that sleeps four guests comfortably, a two-bedroom suite with a connecting Double Queen bedroom that accommodates up to nine guests with a rollaway or party like a rockstar and book a three-bedroom suite with two Double Queen bedrooms that accommodates up to 14 guests with rollaways! No matter which suite you book, each bedroom comes with its own private bathroom.
Can you believe the suites get even bigger?! Available as a one-bedroom option that comfortably sleeps up to four people with a king bed and a sofa bed or a two-bedroom option that sleeps up to nine with a rollaway and a connecting two Queen bedroom, Hospitality Suites are designed to fit all your entertainment needs. Each suite includes a dining room, a kitchenette with a fridge and microwave and a sleeper sofa and features one bathroom per bedroom.
Lastly, we come to the king of all suites. The Graceland Suite is the stuff of legend. These jaw-dropping rooms include a master bedroom with a glass-encased double-sided fireplace, a master bathroom with an oversized tub, separate shower and walk-in closet and a dining room complete with a baby grand piano where you might just compose the next big hit! Book a one-bedroom suite with a solo King bed or add a connecting bedroom with two Queen beds to comfortably accommodate five people (or seven with a rollaway). A connecting bedroom will also come with its own bathroom.
Transportation at Universal Hard Rock Hotel
As one of the hotels located on Universal's main property, it's super easy to hop around! Almost all Signature Collection hotels offer complimentary transportation via shuttle bus and water taxi (Helios Grand does not provide a water taxi) to the hub at Universal CityWalk for quick access to both Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure. If you're heading to Universal Volcano Bay, an additional bus route connects Signature Collection hotels to the resort's water theme park. Walking paths also connect almost all Signature Collection hotels (except Helios Grand) to CityWalk, Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and other hotels on the resort's main property.
If you're traveling in a car, overnight guest parking is $36 plus tax per vehicle, per night for self-parking and $45 plus tax per vehicle, per night for valet. If you're just visiting the resort and not checking in, it's complimentary to park for under 30 minutes $53 plus tax, per day, per vehicle if you're staying for longer than half an hour. If you want to use valet instead, it's $56 plus tax per vehicle. Rates are subject to change without notice.
Universal Hard Rock Hotel Orlando Restaurants & Lounges
From casual fare and comfort food to world-renowned steaks and seafood, Hard Rock Hotel Orlando has a multitude of dining options that are sure to make your taste buds sing!
The Kitchen
This hot local hangout is home to my favorite breakfast buffet on Universal Orlando property. With an omelet station where you can build your own or try one of the chef's original creations, a griddle station where you can choose from different ingredients for fresh waffles or French toast (order the Elvis French Toast and "thank me, thank me very much" later), freshly baked pastries, fresh-cut fruits, scrambled eggs, breakfast potatoes, sausage and bacon, biscuits and gravy and so much more, you can't go wrong starting your day here! Breakfast is also available a la carte, as are beverages including coffee, an assortment of teas, milk and a refreshing array of juices. (I always order the guava.) On Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., enjoy a live acoustic performance alongside the most important meal of the day!
While I can rave forever about the breakfast here, that's certainly not all this restaurant has to offer. Come on down for lunch and enjoy starters, such as Chicken Orzo Soup and Chicken Wings, salads, such as the Fall Market Salad and The Kitchen Chopped, flatbreads such as the Seasonal Flatbread and Margherita, sandwiches, such as The Half-Pound Kitchen Burger and Blackened Mahi Sandwich and entrées such as the Seared True North Salmon. The dinner menu includes those similar starters, salads and entrées, as well as pastas, such as the Truffle Lobster Mac & Cheese and Seared Scallops with Crispy Pork Belly, steaks, such as the 10 oz. Skirt Steak and 48 oz. Bone-In Tomahawk for Two, steak enhancements, such as the Sauce Trio and Seared Scallops and sides, such as the Truffle Macaroni & Cheese and Broccolini. Don't froget to save room for dessert with options such as The Kitchen Sink and Caramel Apple Pie Shooter!
What's a kitchen without a liquor cabinet? Enjoy an impressive array of beers, wines and signature cocktails inspired by servers' and bartenders' personalities and passion for music.
You can also stop by from 2 to 5pm daily for some lighter fare, including the Fire-Roasted Chicken Quesadilla, the Classic Caesar salad, the Sausage & Pepperoni flatbread, the Smoked Turkey Reuben and the Grilled Chicken Pasta.
The Palm
One of the country's premier steak and seafood establishments, The Palm is the place for a superb meal in an uptown atmosphere. The extensive menu inspired by the best of Italian-American heritage features cold bar favorites, such as the Tuna Crudo and Crabmeat Cocktail, appetizers, such as the Jumbo Lump Crab Cake and Lobster Ravioli, soups and salads, such as the Chef's Seasonal Selection and Classic Caesar Salad, Palm originals, such as the Wagyu Lasagna and Chicken Parmigiana, seafood, such as the Seared Sea Bass and Shrimp Sauté, steaks and chops, such as the Prime New York Strip 14 oz and Veal Chop 14 oz, butcher's selections, such as the Lamb T-Bones and Osso Bucco and side dishes, such as Hashbrowns and Baked Potato. Wash down your meal with one of the Palm Signature Classic Cocktails or a glass of one of the wines from their extensive collection. The attire here is resort or business-casual. (Smart-casual is also acceptable.) Look at the walls in between courses, where you'll see caricatures of celebrities as a nod to the original Palm restaurant's roots in the newspaper district of Manhattan, where famous cartoonists would often exchange drawings for their meals!
Emack & Bolio's Marketplace
Enjoy award-winning ice cream, smoothies and coffees, as well as grab-and-go breakfast, lunch and snack items at the resort's ice cream parlor. Aside from ice cream made from only the freshest ingredients available as a handcrafted sundae or candy cone, this Boston import located at the bottom of the spiral staircase serves freshly-made pastries, sandwiches, pizzas, salads and more. You can even grab ready-to-go cocktails, beer and wine here! Emack & Boilo's also proudly serves Starbucks coffee and custom coffee drinks all day long. Don't be surprised if you find yourself coming back here several times a day ...
Velvet Bar
If you're looking for a place to hang out, sip a cocktail and kick back, enter Velvet Bar, an undeniably cool lobby-level bar with a VIP vibe. Start or finish your night here and enjoy boards, such as the Combo Board and Bavarian Board, focaccia style pizzas, such as the Margherita and Chicken Bianco, small plates, such as the Classic Double Cheeseburger and Caviar and desserts, such as the Sweet Riff Rum Cake and Tuxedo Nutella Cake. The bar also features a unique cocktail menu and wine list and hosts nightly live entertainment to kick up the vibe even more.
beachclub
No shirt? No shoes? No problem! This casual poolside hangout offers both restaurant and poolside service so you can order and enjoy frozen cocktails, fountain drinks, appetizers and more right from the comfort of your lounge chair! The lunch and dinner menu includes appetizers such as Loaded Nachos and Chips & Dip, salads such as the Beach Club Chopped Salad and Greek Power Bowl, flatbreads, such as the Mozzarella Flatbread and Triple-Meat Flatbread, entrées, such as the Beach Club Burger and Roasted Turkey Wrap, kids' meals, such as the Chicken Fingers and Mac & Cheese and desserts, such as the Churros and Key Lime Pie Parfait. If you need me, I'll be by the pool sipping my Hard Rockin' Lemonade ...
Room Service
Available 24 hours a day, you can order from a wide variety of menu options with on-call in-room dining. Enjoy breakfast classics, such as the 3-Egg Omelet, Applewood Smoked Bacon, Pancakes, Kids' Waffles and Seasonal Fresh Fruit Salad, lunch and dinner favorites, such Chicken Tenders, the Mixed Green Salad, a Cheeseburger, a Cheese Pizza, a Mac & Cheese, Grilled True North Salmon, Linguini Alfredo and Green Beans, late night bites, such as the American Breakfast and Pizza; and mouthwatering desserts, such as the Birthday Cake Cheesecake and Bananas Foster Shooter. Wind down with a refined collection of domestic beers, import and craft beers, hard seltzers, canned cocktails, champagne and sparkling wines, blush and white wines, red wines, gin, vodka, scotch, whiskey/bourbon, tequila, rum, cognac and cordials.
Amenities at Universal Hard Rock Hotel Orlando
So, about that pool I've been referring to ... Yes, you're remembering correctly! This 12,000 square foot pool features an underwater sound system so you'll never miss a beat. It's also home to a 260-foot water slide, two hot tubs, a sand volleyball court and interactive fountains and a play area for the tadpoles. Tons of poolside activities are hosted throughout the day, such as ping pong tournaments, water balloon tosses, pool basketball, hula hoop contests, arts and crafts and so much more! (Check with the front desk upon arrival to find out what's hoppening during your stay.) The pool area also has some A-list-worthy cabanas available to rent — each equipped with a ceiling fan, plasma TV, refrigerator, wireless Internet and, of course, your own personal server to keep the drinks coming! Even if you're not going to Volcano Bay during your visit, don't froget to bring your swimsuit!
Next to the pool, you'll find the hotel's game room, open from 8 a.m. to midnight each day. You can save the galaxy or drive 150 mph with tons of different arcade games.
If you want to stay in peak condition for those long days at the parks, stop by the bodyrock fitness center. This complimentary fitness center is the perfect place to refresh the mind, rejuvenate the body and reenergize the spirit — granting you an all-access pass to the latest in cardio fitness and circuit-training equipment such as treadmills, bicycles, elliptical cross trainers, a free weight area with dumbbells and bench, Cardio Theater, Stairmaster, steam and sauna rooms and locker facilities. A yoga junkie myself, I always request the free Rock Om yoga kits. These come with a yoga mat and three on-demand yoga videos available on the TV in your guest room. Oh, and remember those walking paths? They're perfect for picturesque walks or jogs around the beautifully landscaped grounds of the hotel.
Back in the lobby, visit the Rock Shop to elevate your wardrobe to superstar status. This bold boutique boasts an impressive collection of Hard Rock apparel, souvenirs, robes, sheets, cups, pins and more. Keep an eye out for authentic instruments used by legendary musicians and a glowing guitar light fixture overhead.
One of the more unique perks of this hotel is The Sound of Your Stay program. Music lovers, are you ready for this? tracks® lets you stream a celebrity-curated playlist to amplify your stay, picks® allows you to choose from a menu of 20 different Fender guitars that can be delivered to your room and wax® offers you a Crosley turntable and your choice of 10 iconic records to tune into and experience.
And, of course, this wouldn't be a Hard Rock Hotel without some signature entertainment. Each month, the hotel hosts the award-winning "Velvet Sessions" where guests 21 and over can experience an up-close and personal rock concert. Past performers include legends such as Bret Michaels, Joan Jett, Foreigner, Eddie Money and many more. From 6:30 p.m. until showtime, all tickets include specialty cocktails, finger foods, warm-up tunes and valet parking. At 8 p.m. when the live band performs, there are cash bars.
That's not all, though! A few times a year, you can enjoy "Velvet Unplugged," a laid-back acoustic show featuring up-and-coming and sometimes well-known talent playing right in the hotel's lobby. Reserve a café-style table for two or four or just hang out in the standing room section at this all-ages show.
What to Consider Before Staying at Universal Hard Rock Hotel Orlando
If you're looking to turn up the volume on your Universal Orlando vacation, then this is the hotel for you. The location cannot be beat! You're essentially a two-minute walk to the entrance of Universal Studios, which is perfect for kids who easily get tired out by the end of the day. The dining options are also stellar, with one of the best breakfasts on property and menu items that kids and grownups alike are sure to love.
Of course, the biggest benefit at select Signature Collection hotels, such as this one, is the free Universal Express Unlimited pass, which is truly invaluable on any day at Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure. That being said, as a Signature Collection hotel, it is one of the most expensive stays on property. A Universal Express Unlimited pass is a value of at least $149.99 per person, per day, so you ultimately need to decide if the investment is worth the time saved (just like you would need to if you were purchasing the pass separately).
Overall, Hard Rock Hotel Orlando offers red carpet, celebrity treatment with both fun and relaxing ways to unwind. It's a hotel that hits all the right notes and is truly Grammy award-worthy.
Have you stayed at Hard Rock Hotel Orlando before? Do you think it deserves a standing ovation? Riff on down in the comments below.
Related: Why Stay at a Universal Orlando Resort Hotel
Hoppy planning!
